Innsbruck Sightseeing
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Innsbruck is one of those rare cities that has equal amounts of rich culture and natural beauty. Nearly all of its attractions are either historical buildings dating to the mediaeval age or magnificent alpine locations. The Old Town (Altstadt) is where most of the urban highlights are clustered, with the shining Golden Roof anchoring a district of churches, palaces, and other interesting sites. Every day at 10:30 the entire Altstadt becomes pedestrian-only, to the delight of visitors. Head into the surrounding Alps and there are Tyrolean villages, castles and stunning outdoor scenery at every turn.
Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras)
Just to the south of Innsbruck is the 16th-century castle of Archduke Ferdinand II. Not only is this Renaissance castle a real beauty to explore, but it also houses one of Europe’s most extensive collections of weapons and art. The Portrait Gallery features more than 250 paintings from the 14th century, while the Spanish Hall is a remarkable example of German Renaissance architecture. After wandering the corridors of the castle, take some time to stroll around the manicured grounds. Phone: +43 512 348 446.
Cathedral of St James (Dom zu St Jakob)
One of Innsbruck’s most impressive churches is this Baroque beauty dating back to 1724. The interior is richly dressed in religious motifs and details, with a stunning painting of Mary of Succor highlighting the main altar. Outside, the cathedral’s domed roof can be seen for miles and is a major fixture of the Old Town. Phone: +43 512 583 902.
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Innsbruck’s most famous landmark is the Golden Roof, a 16th-century balcony built by Emperor Maximilian I to display his considerable wealth and power. The balcony is covered with a roof consisting of 2,657 copper tiles that are gilded in gold. When the sun strikes it, the entire façade glistens in the dazzling alpine sunlight. After it was built to commemorate his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza, the Emperor would frequently stand here and watch the streetlife below. It’s the city’s most popular tourist attraction and certainly worth a visit. Phone: +43 512 581 111.
Hofburg
The imperial palace of Emperor Maximilian I was constructed in the 15th century and remains a stately example of royal splendor. The sprawling palace has four wings, domed towers and a two story gold and white Giant’s Hall (Riesensaal) filled with portraits of the Hapsburgs. Also worth checking out are the grandiose State Rooms and chapel. Visitors can independently explore the entire facility, but if you want a multilingual guided tour, there are two per day. Phone: +43 512 587 186.
Hofkirche
Another of Innsbruck’s magnificent churches is the Hofkirche, a Gothic masterpiece built by Ferdinand I in 1553. At its heart is the tomb of Maximilian I, a tremendous example of German Renaissance sculpting. Accompanying the marble sarcophagus are 24 marble reliefs detailing the Emperor’s life and 28 bronze statues of his infamous ancestors. It’s an inspiring piece of local architecture and should not be missed. Phone: +43 512 584 302.
Igls
A mere five kilometres from Innsbruck is one of Austria’s most exclusive ski resorts. Igls enjoys a particularly spectacular setting directly beneath Patscherkofel Mountain and always seems to have something festive happening. There is excellent skiing here, as well as a famous Olympic bobsled run. But even just popping over for the day to lounge at one of its sidewalk cafés and stare up at the Alps is worth the effort.
Climb to the top of the City Tower (Stadtturm) for some eye-popping views over Innsbruck and the Alps. This iconic tower built in the 1400s was originally a prison cell. Visitors can experience what it was like to be imprisoned during the medieval era by touring the old cells. But the real highlight is climbing to the top of the tower, which presents you with the best panoramic views in Innsbruck over the city and across the mountains beyond. Phone: +43 512 587 113.
Contemplate the possibility of making an Olympic ski jump at the Bergisel Tower. One of things that put modern Innsbruck on the global travel map was when it hosted the Winter Olympics in the 1960s and 1970s. At the centre of the action was the Bergisel Tower, a futuristic ski jump for its time, and one of the city’s main landmarks. Standing at the top of the platform, visitors can get a vertigo sense of stepping off onto the jump. Huge windows provide 360° views, and the Café im Turm at the top of the tower is a good place to grab a bite with your view.
Immerse yourself in the crystalline fantasy realm of Crystal Worlds. This immensely popular tourist attraction in the heart of Innsbruck showcases the beauty of crystals. Seven underground chambers each present this lovely stone in a different way. From crystallized versions of the artwork of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali to the surreal environment of the Crystal Dome, this is one experience that is truly unique. Other highlights include a three dimensional light show and kaleidoscopic performances in the Crystal Theatre. Phone: +43 522 451 080.
See how the locals get on after dark by spending a night out enjoying some of Austria’s most vibrant nightlife. With nearly a quarter of its population university students, Innsbruck naturally has a cutting edge nightlife scene. While they keep the bars hopping along the Bogen, the Old Town is home to a more traditional side of Austrian entertainment. Most of the cosy wine taverns provide Tyrolean folk music in the evenings, while brass bands and yodellers can often be found in other Old Town pubs. During the summer, be sure and spend some time drinking beers in the outdoor Hofgartencafes.
Take a cablecar to the Hungerburg Plateau, where you can get an entirely new perspective on Innsbruck. Flattened out at 872 metres, this huge mountain plateau is arguably the most beautiful spot in the Tyrol region. Sitting just next to Innsbruck, the views over the city and its mediaeval buildings and fountains are spectacular. Visit at night to see the whole town romantically aglow, or better yet, spend a night or three at one of the incredibly scenic hotels on the Hungerburg. Cablecars provide easy access from the city, or you can drive up in a car.
Try your luck at one of Innsbruck’s casinos. If you feel like taking a chance or need a little more excitement in your night, step into one of the city’s casinos. There are several to choose from in and around Innsbruck so you can a make a full night out of it. The resort village of Seefeld is home to the Spiel Casino, and arguably the best overall experience for cards and table games. For something less exotic, pop into the Holiday Inn and drop some Euros into the slot machines.
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Hoch Innsbruck Hungerburg
Modern hotel, excellent staff, We originally reserved a non-smoking room, but at the check-in they explained that a smoking room was asked. But it took two minutes and they have changed and we were sa...
Modern hotel, excellent staff, We originally reserved a non-smoking room, but at the check-in they explained that a smoking room was asked. But it took two minutes and they have changed and we were sa...
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